Pentatonix @ the Showbox at the Market, 12/19
Photos & Review by Abby Williamson
Pentatonix
I’m a reality TV junkie, and I’m not ashamed to admit that. So when I heard that Pentatonix – the young, innovative a capella group that won The Sing-Off last year – was coming to the Showbox, I was all over that.
I underestimated how many people were also all over that, because when I got to the Showbox, the line around the block was filled with people of all ages from nine-year-olds to people in their fifties. I’d definitely never been to the Showbox with children in the double digits before. It just shows how universal Pentatonix’s music is. For instance, they did a mind-blowing Florence and the Machine cover, and a medley of all *NSYNC songs. You don’t usually see that all at one show.
The sold-out show had no opener, which was another first for me – but the good hour and a half that the group performed went by fast. The fact that they had no instruments gave them nothing to hide behind, and each one of them brought something so perfectly crafted and so different to the stage.
Powerhouse vocalist Scott Hoying is just a star. I can’t even say enough how talented this kid is (and I can say kid, because I’m a good three years his senior). Kirstie Maldonado and Mitch Grassi harmonize better than any other voices I’ve heard in recent years, and Grassi’s angelic voice is nothing short of beautiful. And Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola – or “Meat and Potatoes” as they call themselves – have definitely earned that title. They are Pentatonix’s secret weapons. Kaplan’s bass was as deep as any electric bass I’ve ever heard, and he was spot-on the whole time. Olusola is so great as the percussion of Pentatonix that he did an entire song rapping and beatboxing at the SAME TIME.
I’m not kidding.
The group did an assortment of tunes, from Christmas songs to original songs, but my highlight of the night was definitely the aforementioned Florence and the Machine cover of “Dog Days Are Over.” When they did it on The Sing-Off, I got goose bumps. The arrangement was such creative genius, and the performance was flawless. And, I will tell you that those goose bumps did return in full force.
I, for one, am so excited to see them come back in May (heard directly from the source – they’ll be at Showbox SoDo on May 11th ). And for as cheesy as this sounds, they are perfect fun for all ages. So if you get a chance when they do come back, bring your kids. True talent needs no age limit to enjoy.
Pentatonix
